NFL Trade Deadline 2026 Predictions Based on Latest Rumors

The 2026 NFL trade deadline will arrive on Tuesday, Nov. 10 a 4 p.m. ET.

So, teams have between now and then to identify roster flaws, find players capable of correcting them and execute trades to acquire them.

It sounds simpler than it actually is, which is why there are already rumblings about potential moves to come. Let's dig into those discussions and use them to form predictions around some of the buzzier names in football.

49ers Seeking Reunion with Two-Time All-Pro?

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The San Francisco 49ers suffered their first loss of the season Sunday and head into their Week 8 bye with a bevvy of injury issues.

While a clean bill of health would take care of a number of their on-field concerns, this roster has some weak spots that might require external attention. The team could use, for instance, an impact defensive lineman, and they apparently could make a run at DeForest Buckner, who began his career in San Francisco, to fill that void.

"One team that could decide to make a run at Buckner is the San Francisco 49ers, for whom the star defensive tackle played from 2016 through 2019, according to league sources," Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported for ESPN. "... Buckner is now 32, playing as well as he ever has and scheduled to be a free agent in 2027. It makes him a prime target at a position several contenders need."

This might all hinge on the Indianapolis Colts' willingness to sell. With a three-game losing streak dropping the team to 2-5 on the season, that would seem to be their best way of navigating this trade window.

Prediction: Buckner is traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

Big Market for Jonathan Taylor?

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If the Colts wind up tearing down their team in trade season, star running back Jonathan Taylor could be on the move. An all-purpose producer who has earned Pro Bowl honors each of the past two seasons, his trade market is apparently every bit as rich as his accolades say it should be.

Schefter and Rapoport listed the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks as being "among the teams that have pondered, or are expected to consider, the possiblity of a trade for the star running back." The Athletic's Jonathan Jones listed the New York Giants and Vikings as "potential suitors."

With market interest like this, Indy's asking price is sure to be significant. To that end, Schefter and Rapoport noted that Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon "views Taylor as a key part of the organization and a likely mainstay in their rebuild."

If Indy is starting over, though, it may not make a lot of sense to hang onto a 27-year-old running back. Teams will have to be put prime compensation on the table, but with so many suitors eyeballing Taylor, that feels almost certain to happen.

Prediction: Taylor is traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

Jaguars Considering Brian Thomas Jr. Trade?

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Back in 2024, the Jacksonville Jaguars spent the 23rd overall pick on receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Hopes were clearly high, and he only raised the bar with an 87-catch, 1,282-receiving yard, 10-touchdown debut.

Unfortunately, little has gone according to plan since. His sophomore season was a dud (48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns), and this third NFL go-round has been even quieter (nine catches for 105 yards and a single score). According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Jaguars could be softening their stance about a Thomas trade:

"Brian Thomas Jr., immensely talented, but I've talked to several teams who believe he could be dealt over the next few weeks. Jacksonville has relented in the past. They've kept him because he's such a big talent. They hoped that his deep threat would balance things out with other receivers. The last two weeks, no catches, had just 15 snaps, so he was essentially benched in that London game against Houston. So, something has to give. There's going to be some interested parties. Kansas City's been looking around at potentially adding a receiver. Pittsburgh to some extent."

Thomas, who turned 24 earlier this month, could still interest suitors as a reclamation project, but they might also want a pretty steep discount given his lack of production. But if the Jaguars don't see him being a bigger piece of their offense, they could be better off taking what they can get for him now before his value gets hit even harder.

Prediction: Thomas is traded to the Washington Commanders.